At some point in every girl’s life they are most likely going to experiment with makeup. Being someone who wears makeup on a consistent basis, I have created a list of essential tips/products that are both easy to use and helpful for everyday users like myself.
1. Eyebrows
Eyebrows are by far the most overlooked part of every girl’s makeup regimen because they feel that there isn’t much that eyebrows can offer. Let me start by saying this assertion is absolutely incorrect. When I’m running out of my room and only have enough time to use one product, I will without a doubt fill my eyebrows. Full looking eyebrows not only widen eyes but also create facial symmetry and give girls a more mature look. What products are essential to creating this fuller look?
Megan Fox before and after photos – Eyebrow transformation
Recommended Products:
Laura Mercier eyebrow pencil
As a brunette, I use the “Soft brunette” color because I don’t want my eyebrows looking too intense. Always start with filling the outer edges of your eyebrow and only do a minimal amount on the inner part. Your eyebrows should be (believe it or not) the same width all the way through. For me, mine tend to thin out towards the ends so that’s where I do most of the penciling.
Bobby Brown Eyebrow shadow
Sometimes when I’m going out at night (or I just feel like the pencil hasn’t done enough) I will darken my eyebrows by additionally using Bobby Brown’s eyebrow shadow. Because this is a little darker, I use it only on the outer edge and avoid the innermost part of the eyebrow.
Additional Tips
- Let your eyebrows grow out! Don’t be obsessive about plucking your eyebrows unless the hairs are 100% outside of your brow line. Thicker the better!
- Use Vaseline or Aquafor on your eyebrows (and eyelashes) nightly to both thicken thin brows and tame unruly brows.
2. Face
There’s not doubt that a fine line exists between not enough and way too much face makeup. When it comes to the face I am definitely a minimalist. I use three products every day that even out my coloring, brighten under eye darkness, and give me a nice kiss of the sun that South Bend temperatures tend to prohibit me from obtaining.
Recommended Products:
Tarte BB cream primer
I recently discovered the value of a primer, and to be honest I think a primer is all you need to even out coloring and keep your face looking fresh. Many people layer a powder or liquid foundation over a primer, but it’s up to you how much coverage you’re looking for!
Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer
This product is crucial for anyone with dark circles under their eyes. I’m the kind of person who has what I like to call perma-dark-circles, because whether I’m fully rested or living off of one hour of sleep, the dark circles under my eyes are ever-present. Sometimes if I have acne that I’m trying to cover up I’ll use this product as well!
Bronzer (Laura Mercier)
When I go out or dress up for a fancier occasion, I usually use bronzer to really define my cheekbones and give me a kiss of the sun that the Notre Dame weather usually doesn’t. The key is to only use it on your upper cheek bones and swipe up towards your hairline when applying!
3. Eyelashes
For me, if someone said I could only use one makeup product for the rest of my life I would use mascara. The difference between eyelashes with and without mascara is drastic and can make all the difference when it comes to looking more awake and having more vibrantly defined eyes.
My two products for mascara are used for two different occasions
Recommended Prroducts:
Everyday Wear – Channel Mascara
While this product is a bit of an investment it’s worth every penny. Not only does it lengthen your eyelashes, it also creates volumn without clumps!
Waterproof Mascara – Covergirl Lash Blast Volume
When swimming or going out for a day at the beach I always trust this mascara because it simply won’t comes off!
4. Eyes
As someone who’s been through pretty much every phase of eye makeup wearing from thick/heavy black to completely natural, I feel pretty confident that I’ve struck my personal perfect balance for my eye makeup regimen.
Recommended Products:
Urban Decay Naked Pallets
Simply put, every girl needs one. As a brunette, I use the Naked 1 pallet, and for blondes I would recommend Naked 3. My number one tip for anyone doing eye makeup is this: Start with the lightest shade on the inside corner of your eye and slowly blend in the darker colors as you get to the outer edge. Also, use a white shadow right under your eyebrow to highlight your brow line and brighten your eye.
Stila liquid eyeliner (black and grey)
This eyeliner is truly amazing. Because I don’t wear eyeliner on the bottom of my eye and only use it for a thin line on top, the liquid liner makes it easy to create the straight/thin line I’m looking for.
Tip: Don’t start from the total inside corner of your eye – instead, start about halfway out and flare the wing slightly
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